Arsonist in skirt and sneakers connected to over 20 fires in New York City, including a church in Brooklyn, according to federal officials.

A 32-year-old man identified as Bryan Oviedo was apprehended by federal authorities following an alleged arson spree that spanned multiple neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Manhattan, igniting over 20 small fires in a mere three-hour window. The incidents occurred on August 20, between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., and involved various locations, including churches, residential buildings, and parked cars.

Prosecutors in Brooklyn have reported that surveillance video captured Oviedo setting fire to a trash can on the porch of the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew in Clinton Hill. Reports indicate that he later attempted to ignite a four-story apartment building in Prospect Heights while its residents slept. The authorities assert that video evidence links Oviedo to a series of other fires during the same timeframe, depicting a pattern of reckless endangerment that has raised public safety concerns.

Oviedo, who has a registered address in Brooklyn, may currently be experiencing homelessness, according to statements from law enforcement sources. Following his arrest over the weekend, he is scheduled to appear in Brooklyn Federal Court for arraignment.

Key moments captured in the surveillance footage show the arsonist, characterized by his distinctive attire of a skirt and sneakers, leaning into a trash container outside the church. Shortly after, the area ignited, prompting a quick exit from the scene as he made attempts to obscure the fire’s origin.

Further footage from another location on Pacific Street, about a fifth of a mile from the church, depicted an individual in similar clothing collecting materials in front of a residential porch, which subsequently combusted. Witnesses and camera data provide compelling evidence linking Oviedo to these incidents.

Cameras positioned in the vicinity of the Clinton-Washington Avenues C train subway stop also captured clear images of the suspect’s face around 5:15 a.m. to 5:45 a.m. that morning. An NYPD officer recognized Oviedo from a previous arrest related to criminal mischief in July, assisting in his prompt apprehension by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the potential risk to families asleep in their homes during the fires. If convicted of federal arson charges, Oviedo faces severe repercussions, including a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with possible penalties extending to 20 years.

The public remains vigilant as this incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety in urban neighborhoods.